How to build a PC: step-by-step guide
From opening the case to first power-on — CPU, RAM, storage, GPU installation and cable management explained clearly.
Before you start
Set up a clean, clear, well-lit workspace — a table is ideal. Avoid carpeted floors that generate static electricity.
Discharge static before touching components: touch a grounded metal object, or wear an anti-static wrist strap.
Unbox all components and check for damage. Keep the boxes — you'll need them for any returns.
Never force anything. If something doesn't fit, check the orientation before pushing harder. Most connectors only go in one way.
1. Install the CPU
Open the socket lever (Intel LGA1700) or remove the plastic cover (AMD AM5). On AMD, the pins are on the CPU — never place it pins-down on a hard surface.
Align the triangle on the CPU corner with the triangle on the socket. Gently lower without sliding.
Intel: close the lever — slight resistance is normal. AMD: the CPU drops into place by gravity, then screw the retention mechanism.
2. Install the CPU cooler
Apply thermal paste if not pre-applied — a pea-sized dot in the center of the CPU is enough. The cooler's pressure spreads it evenly.
Position the cooler over the CPU, aligning screws with motherboard holes. Tighten in a cross pattern for even pressure.
Plug the fan cable into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
For tower coolers (Noctua, be quiet!), install them before mounting the motherboard in the case if access is tight.
3. Install RAM
With 2 sticks in a 4-slot board, use slots recommended by the manual (usually A2 and B2) to enable dual-channel.
Open clips on both ends of the slot. Align the RAM notch with the slot key — one direction only. Press firmly until you hear a click.
4. Install M.2 SSD
Insert the SSD at ~30°, then press down and secure with the M.2 screw or tool-free retention.
Use the M2_1 slot (closest to CPU) first — it usually has the best performance (PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 direct CPU lanes).
Reattach the M.2 heatsink after installation.
5. Prepare case and install motherboard
Snap the I/O shield into the rear case opening — it only fits one way.
Check standoffs are screwed into positions matching your motherboard form factor.
Angle the motherboard to align I/O ports with the shield, lower onto standoffs, and screw in — starting at corners.
6. Install the GPU
Remove PCIe slot covers from the case rear. Insert the GPU into the primary x16 PCIe slot until the retention clip clicks.
Screw the GPU to the case rear. Connect PCIe power cables from the PSU.
For heavy GPUs, use a GPU support bracket to prevent GPU sag that can damage the PCIe slot over time.
7. Power supply, cabling, and first boot
Essential cables: 24-pin ATX (main board power), 8-pin EPS (CPU power), PCIe cable(s) for GPU.
Connect front panel cables: Power SW, Reset SW, Power LED, HDD LED, USB, audio.
Before closing the case, do an open bench test. If the BIOS/UEFI appears, enter it and enable XMP/EXPO for your RAM.
Nothing displays? Check: RAM is fully seated, monitor cable is in the GPU (not motherboard), 8-pin CPU power is connected. 90% of first-boot failures trace to these three.